The owners of Capital City Tuxedo Rentals in Victoria have been helping the Magic Wand Project for years
Not many people get the chance to give back to the community in a way as special as Sid and Kathleen Ezzeddine.
The owners of Capital City Tuxedo Rentals in Victoria have been helping the Magic Wand Project for numerous years. The project helps to provide gowns and tuxedos for in-need students for graduation events.
“You know, you have to be kind in life,” said Sid Ezzeddine.
Sid Ezzeddine has never hesitated to help them out, free of charge.
“She [Magic Wand Project co-ordinator Elizabeth Surerus] calls me up once in a while when shes short to help a certain person so I’m always willing to help her out without charge,” he said.
This isn’t the only time Ezzeddines has helped out local charities. He also helps other groups within the community, such as the SPCA.
“I always try to help out whatever charity in town,” Sid Ezzeddine said.
The Magic Wand Project was started in 2001 by Surerus, a former school counsellor. She was inspired by the Cinderella Project in Vancouver.
“I was interested in the Cinderella Project and when I realized we had nothing like that in Victoria, I had the time,” said Surerus.
The group has helped more than 600 graduates.
“It’s always a story with each one,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to see how grateful they are.”
Recently, Surerus moved and lost the extra space she used for storing and hosting boutique weekends.
“We put an ad in the paper asking for space and I looked around at schools and churches hoping to find a space,” she said.
The group got a break when the principal of an alternative school called Surerus and offered her a room to use.
“We’re looking forward to the space, enough space to display everything.”
On top of dresses, each girl is given shoes, accessories and alterations if needed.
“I give credit to the volunteers and seamstresses who help us out,” she said.
If you need clothing for your graduation or would like to volunteer then please contact Elizabeth Surerus at 250-658-0246 or at esurerus@telus.net.
